German Christmas Markets: Freiburg

ABOVE: .The Christmas market on the Rathausplatz, with the St. Martinskirche behind.

Freiburg im Breisgau Christmas markets

Freiburg is Germany's southernmost city and a popular gateway to the Black Forest. It's also the site of a lively Weihnachtsmarkt that's centered on the Rathausplatz, or City Hall Square, with food and gift vendors' booths spreading into neighboring streets of the historic Altstadt.

As a bonus, you'll also find gift stalls, tree sellers, and other merchants in the Münstermarkt surrounding the cathedral. The market operates from about 7 a.m. until early afternoon--and sometimes later--year-round.

Advent is also a time for Christmas music in Freiburg. During a holiday visit, we enjoyed a Mozart concert in the Münster (cathedral); a chamber concert by the Freiburger Barockorchester at the Konzerthaus or orchestra hall; and a late-night mass at the Münster that was followed by an impromptu organ concert. (The organist kept playing until the verger finally asked people to leave so he could lock up the church.)

A word of warning: The Christmas market on the Rathausplatz can be jam-packed in the evenings, especially on weekends, so be prepared for crowds.

For more information on Freiburg (which is one of Germany's most delightful cities), see:

Freiburg im Breisgau

Freiburg im Breisgau Weihnachtsmarkt